Fake Adire Fabric: Alake Talks Tough, Inaugurates Committee to Fight the Menace
Worried by the socio cultural and economic adverse effect of influx of fake Adire fabrics into the Abeokuta markets, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has inaugurated a committee to tackle and stop the menace .
Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration at the Ake palace in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the Alake explained that it was important to, as a matter of urgency, put an end to the influx of the fake fabric.
Gbadebo said that there was need to enlighten the people on why they should not buy fake or Chinese Adire, saying that influx of fake Adire into the market would have negative effect on the economy of the state and Nigeria.
He tasked the committee to ensure they know where the fake Adire was being produced and brought into Abeokuta market.
He added that the business of Adire had taken many youths and homes out of poverty, criminal activities, saying he would not fold his arms and allow the people to suffer due to infiltration.
” This committee is set up in order to tackle the influx of fake (Chinese) Adire in markets in the state capital. We must not allow infiltration and our name as Egba must not be tarnished.
” Adire started in Itoku, here in Abeokuta , it is our trade and there is need to ensure that the quality of our Adire is not tampered with.
” Before we can say something is not good, we must first ensure that ours is better and we must ensure quality control in our Adire production,” he said.
The Paramount ruler assured that he would be ready to contribute his quota to ensure that the business of Adire continued to prosper and also boost the economy of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Hajia Modinat Adegbite, Giwa Obinrin of Egba land, a member of the committee, noted that the adulteration of Adire fabric by the Chinese had been pushing the local producers trade to the brink.
Adegbite, who lauded the Alake for inaugurating the committee, explained that it was disheartening seeing influx of fake Adire in the market, saying it was affecting the sales of local producers of the fabric.
” It is sad that most people can not differentiate between the fake Adire and the original one produced locally.
” This is why the committee is set up to tackle and put an end to the challenges . Adire is synonymous to the Egba and we will not allow anyone to spoil the name built by our forefathers.
Princess Comfort Omotade, the Mojibade of Egbaland , another member of the committee, noted that Adire fabric and the Olumo rock remained the two major attractions the Egba were known for.
” The committee is going to zoom into action immediately and we are going to ensure that we stopped Chinese Adire from entering Abeokuta markets.
” We won’t allow fake and Chinese Adire to be sold at Itoku market again . We will ensure the promotion of the locally produced Adire .
” The Alake has given us the mandate and we are going all out to stop this atrocity.
” We are determined to maintain the quality of the locally produced adire and protect it from undue competition and proliferation by imitators,” she said.
In his contribution, Mr Funso Idowu, also a member of the committee, said that the committee was saddled with the responsibility of checking the menace of fake Adire in the market.
Idowu explained that the committee would embark on enlightenment and let the people aware of the dangers of patronising the fake fabric to the economy of the state.
High Chief Alani Bankole , Apena of Egbaland and High Chief Oluyinka kufile , Aro of Egbaland , were also in attendance during the inauguration.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Committee, Princess Adejoke Shomoye, insisted that the cultural inheritance of the Egbas must be protected .
She said, “Adire production is a chain of activities, every sides involved must be protected. Our cultural inheritance must not be allowed to walk into extinction. We shall do everything in our capacity to eradicate the adulterated Adire fabrics from our indigenous Adire market and in Egbaland as a whole
The committee is chaired by High Chief Oluyinka Kufile while Chief Alani Bankole , Apena of Egbaland was also in attendance
